POMPANO STUDIES PLAN TO IMPROVE PARKS IN 1987-92

A new five-year capital improvements plan for 1987 through 1992 has been prepared by the city's Department of Parks and Recreation, featuring many of the same projects being offered to voters in a March 11 referendum.

While the referendum projects are multimillion-dollar investments, a more mundane item takes top priority on the list: $38,000 for a new water filter at the Municipal Swimming Pool, 820 NE 18th Ave.

Parks and Recreation Director Tim Tapp said replacing the old 1950s-style network of oversized filtration tanks is a matter of necessity.

"It's just a rusty, decrepit mess," Tapp said. " We've got to put in a newer, more efficient, streamlined system."

A new water filter already has been installed at Westside Swimming Pool, 901 NW 10th St.

Members of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board reviewed the 18-point improvements plan Wednesday night, approving it after some minor revisions.

The list probably won't go before the City Commission until September, when all lists are consolidated from different city departments.

On Tapp's list of proposed recreation projects are referendum items such as two new recreation centers, and renovation of the city's four major parks and 14 smaller ones.

Apart from the referendum items, the list includes a $2.6 million renovation of Municipal Stadium and $160,000 plans to relocate Sand and Spurs Riding Stables, now at 105 NE 16th St., north toward Copans Road to make way for a four-field baseball complex.

Other plans call for:

$117,000 for new handball and bocce courts at Young Life Park, 501 S. Federal Highway.

$63,000 for a tot playground, picnic facilities, and restrooms at Cypress Park, on the grounds of Cypress Park Elementary School, 851 SW Third Ave.

$60,000 to augment amenities at Norwood Pines Park, at Southeast Sixth Court and Cypress Road, with restrooms and a tot playground.

$30,000 for a glass-enclosed control tower for lifeguards on top of Pompano fishing pier, on the ocean at the foot of Northeast Second Street.

$20,000 to upgrade picnic facilities at Alsdorf Boat Launching Park, on the Intracoastal Waterway at the 14th Street Causeway.